Expat Infants Guide
Traditional day care centers that provide only supervision of expat infants & children for working parents are difficult to find in Madrid and child care is best provided through nursery schools or nannies.
Nursery school is highly recommended for foreign children. After one to two years, they will be fully integrated into the local community and have learnt Spanish in preparation for primary school. Nursery schools are normally available for children from three months to three years of age, when they can move on to pre-school. State-run nurseries begin at 180€ per month and working mothers may be entitled to financial assistance. Private nurseries usually range from 180€-300€ per month.
The use of nannies is a more expensive alternative to nursery school but nannies are commonly used in Madrid. Don’t be surprised to find that most nannies are illegal immigrants and may have limited English. There are many nannies looking for work so you will most likely have no trouble finding one that suits your needs. “Au Pairs” are the most common form of live-in nannies, and Madrid-based agencies can help you find a good fit. It is very easy to find a nanny or au pair through web postings and agencies.
Salaries vary. Most fulltime nannies earn between 1000 and 1200 euros per month. Live-in nannies tend to earn significantly less, around 400 per month, as their room and board is provided by the employer.
English Speaking Childcare/Nannies:
The following addresses are for English speaking childcare companies and Web sites that feature nannies and au pairs advertising their services:
Casa Lista is an agency that provides domestic help, from nannies to maids to home-help for the elderly.
Paseo Florida 31,
http://www.casalista.com/
T: 915 594 177
Kids Matter UK is a specialized childcare agency supplying English-speaking nannies and maternity nurses in Madrid. Full background and police checks are conducted on all candidates, a speedy and confidential service. See the website for client comments.
http://www.kidsmatter.uk.com/
T: +44 845 331 3507
Simply Angelic is a UK based nanny and tutor recruitment agency specializing in overseas placements. Professional, qualified and experienced nannies, governesses and maternity nannies are appointed to families worldwide. Free online registration.
http://www.simplyangelic.co.uk/
English Speaking Daycares/Nursery Schools:
Sol y Luna Playschool is an international nursery school based in the Arturo Soria area of Madrid. It is unique in that English is the sole language used at the center. Dedicated to the care and education of children ages 0-3, it is expanding to include children up to 6 years of age in September 2010. The program incorporates tumble tots, music, movement, field trips, and key areas of language and social development.
C/ Antonio Cavero, 91
T: 91 748 90 03
Email: info@solylunaschool.com
Ludoteca Infantil Santo Domingo is a small bilingual nursery school that has a great reputation among foreign mothers. Emphasizing the physical and mental development of children, Ludoteca Infantil uses music and art to stimulate learning. Children from ages 0-3 may attend.
Avda. Del Monte, 12
T: 91 622 00 70
Email: info@ludotecasantodomingo.es
San Jorge Infant School provides a non-denominational, bilingual education for children between the ages of 0-6. San Jorge has some of the most modern installations and facilities in the city. With a capacity of 195 students, children have the opportunity to interact in larger groups. The centers are equipped with materials and facilities to develop music, dance and theater skills, have independent dining facilities, and spacious outdoor play areas, playground materials, and games.
San Jorge Cenre 1
General Aranaz, 85/87
T: 91 743 45 36
San Jorge Centre 2
Golfo de Salónica, 73
T: 91 384 54 05
email: info@sanjorgeschool.com
Mother and Toddler Groups:
The Sticky Fingers playgroup meets twice a week and one Saturday per month in the center of Madrid. Sticky Fingers invites parents, grandparents, guardians and their children (ages 0-6) to enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, singing and story-telling. All activities are in English. Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am-12:30pm, and Saturday from 11am-1pm.
Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer
C/ Ibiza 43
T: 91 574 92 09
email: anne@sfplaygroup.org
http://playgroupmadrid.tripod.com/
St. George’s Mother and Toddlers Group is an English speaking playgroup that has provided a supportive atmosphere for mothers and their children (ages 0-5) in Madrid for over 30 years. A voluntary, non-profit organization, St. George’s Playgroup strives to offer a safe, stimulating, Enligh-speaking environment, as well as provide a network for English-speaking parents and guardians. The group meets every Wednesday from 10:30am-12:30pm.
St. George’s Church Hall
Nunez de Balboa 43
T: 659 017 727
T: 696 956 144
Email: stgeorgemadrid@telefonica.net
